Western States Center Responds to Tragic Violence in Portland

First and foremost, the victims of last night’s attack and their friends and families are in our thoughts as they grapple with the implications of this event.

“While full details surrounding last night’s shooting are still unfolding, political violence regardless of where it originates only serves to undermine social movements working to advance American democracy towards its inclusive and multiracial aspirations. Violence is morally unacceptable. Whether it’s police brutality, paramilitaries, vigilantes or misguided actions in support of police reform, there’s simply no room for political violence in the Portland we’re working to build.

“Our nation’s social movements seeking that ‘more perfect union’ are largely anchored in values that reflect a common idea that all people deserve to live their lives free from the threat of violence. While we can’t influence the violent actions of those opposed to equity and governance based in the practice of democracy, we can exert influence over our own social movements and should continue to do so with urgency.

“It is deeply disturbing to see a movement predicated on the concept of justice and sacrifice of tens of thousands of peaceful protesters who have raised their voices against racially biased policing upstaged by continued political violence and its devastating consequences.

“Those of us who care about Black lives can and should in this moment recommit ourselves to defeating brutality and violence through a commitment to our most fundamental values of justice, equality, democracy, and non-violence.

“Movements for social change should make clear not just that we reject this violence, but that it flies in the face of our deepest commitments. At the same time, government at all levels needs to work toward solutions that remove the perception that anyone needs to be prepared to engage in violence at political protests. We need to enact a proactive, comprehensive solution that rejects the simplistic idea that safety can be achieved through increased policing and criminalizing political protest and assembly. In particular we call on the Department of Justice to take seriously its responsibility to protect the safety of nonviolent protests and protesters.

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